Aaron and I spoke at the Friendswood stake conference on Sunday morning. I spoke on living the gospel specifically how the “small and simple habits {church, prayer and reading scriptures} of belief lead to miraculous results” (L. Whitney Clayton). I shared my experience of receiving revelation on how to help Zac come to the decision on his own to stay with us here in Texas. Truly a miracle to me and it was through revelation from the Holy Ghost and tender mercies that were a result of prayer, reading scriptures and going to church. Spiritually CPR {church, prayer and reading scriptures} works!
Jessie enjoyed getting up and having something to do each day last week for art camp that she asked if she could do another camp. I tried to make it happen but no luck so being resourceful I suggested we do a mom and Jessie camp. Each day we would have an exercise, cooking, water and a creative activity plus spend some time reading together. We started most days with a bike ride around the neighborhood, acia bowls, a different art project each day, and read from her book Shooting Moons. Our water activity ranged from a park splash pad, slip and slide and our pool. The first day little miss Hannah Nielsen joined us for the splash pad, an afternoon of swimming, FHE and Bahama Bucks while her older siblings were at a swim meet. She also continued her hip hop, Jazz dance and theater class this week. She tried out a tap class but she wasn’t interested. ;)
Tuesday, we took a field trip to the Children’s Museum of Houston with all three Nielsen girls and a couple of their friends from Las Vegas. We had a very fun day exploring and learning. They made rockets, scribble bots, Lego cars, origami soccer balls and parachutes. They experienced water pressure and movement, did activities with molecules, discovered different animal habits and their poo. That last part was interesting to them all but disgusting at the same time. They climbed through a suspended play bridge and went through an obstacle course multiple times. They conducted several science experiments and even took time to eat lunch in the middle of all the fun they were having. It was a day full of discovery! I don’t think they wanted it to end.
The boys continued Summer Fitness Training and we bought a weight machine for them to use at home, actually in the steamy garage. They met with their basketball trainer who gives me an update after each session. He is great! On Thursday, they went with me up to Lake 288 to swim and paddle board. A member in our stake has arranged a deal to go to this private lake to open water swim, TREX, paddle board and run around the perimeter for triathlon training once a month. It’s a great hidden gem. I hope to go every month starting in August. So many families in our stake go to Utah during July that she didn't schedule one in July.
Friday, we had a leadership training for 65 district and zone leaders training them on accountability and helping them to “look and behold” the key indicators, effective exchanges and conducting baptismal interviews. Aaron also guides them on improving their leadership skills. He loves teaching them how to be leaders, lifting their sights and inspiring them to reach their potential. That night we have a new convert temple trip. Jessie came along with us which was fun. She loves the missionaries as much as we do. She also loves to eat at Masala Wok which we enjoyed afterwards. ;)
Allie has been busy working at her job up at Pineview. She is working more than she expected and is hoping to have a little more balance in her schedule in the next few weeks. This job has been good for her, stretching her, giving her new skills and helping her figure out what she likes and doesn’t in a job. ;)
We had a great family day on Saturday swimming and enjoying the sun. Later that night we saw Cars 3. A fun family show. Zac and Bode determined the plot and outcome pretty quickly but still enjoyed it. Our kids are not as little as they used to be but they are good sports in making time for the family. Our movie wish is for the sequel to Incredibles to be made. What is taking so long? If anyone can get that moving along we would appreciate it. Life is good!